Rod Pedersen
CFL.ca
In a blink, one half of the 2008 Canadian Football League regular season is behind us.
Although it’s hard to believe we’ve turned the corner already, the first half certainly was memorable and provided lots of ups and downs. Most notably, running back Charles Roberts and quarterback Michael Bishop have changed teams, and we’ve seen the usual stunning collection of amazing plays on the field.
The surprises? On the good side, rookie head coaches Ken Miller (Saskatchewan) and Marc Trestman (Montreal) have their teams atop their respective divisions and are favourites for Coach of the Year honours. The stellar play of quarterback Ricky Ray has lifted the Edmonton Eskimos off the mat and threatens to kick their two-year playoff drought to the curb.
On the bad side, the defending East Division champions from Winnipeg are languishing at the bottom of the standings along with Hamilton at 2-7. The Ticats’ ledger is a disappointment too, although there’s significant reason to be encouraged by first year G.M. Bob O’Billovich’s efforts to turn the franchise around. And last year’s regular season champions in B.C. are scratching their heads with a 4-5 record after the opening nine.
The 2008 National Football League season kicks off this week and with training camps south of the border over, there were NFL scouts in the press box at Mosaic Stadium in Regina at this week’s game.
One of them broke down the CFL West Division so far, on the condition of anonymity:
BC: “The B.C. Lions are struggling right now because they’re struggling behind the centre. Jarious Jackson, it’s unfortunate he had a hand injury but I suppose as far as backup Buck Pierce is concerned, he’s happy about it. I think once Jackson’s fine, they’ll probably go back and forth all season long but I think they’re going to have a problem there.”
Calgary: “As Henry Burris goes, so go the Calgary Stampeders. That’s what it amounts to and Henry’s playing real well right now. He not only is throwing the ball right now but he’s also using his legs. I think right now he’s the reason the Stampeders are what they are.”
Edmonton: “The Eskimos are a good team because they have outstanding receivers. They did lose Jason Tucker, but Kelly Campbell has really picked them up and with Ricky Ray, you can say what you want, but when defenses have to run around and chase that guy, that’s what you want. His accuracy is terrific and he can get himself out of trouble.”
Saskatchewan: “You know what, as far as I’m concerned they play hard every game. You can get down on their defense for the way it’s played, but things happen. You’re not going to play 18 games of scoreless football. I think their defense is playing awfully well. They haven’t scored many touchdowns lately but once again, when you have injuries like that, it’s difficult to put the ball in the endzone. But they still have good offensive football players.”
That’s the word from the horse’s mouth and now it’s time to turn our attention to the back nine. Before you know it, we’ll be in the stretch drive!
Rod Pedersen is the Voice of the Roughriders and Regina correspondent on the Score. Check out his award-winning blog at www.rodpedersen.com.
